F1 News: FIA President Insists Formula One Must "Adapt" After Drive To Survive Success

Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized that Formula 1 will have to resort to other methods to reach more people.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem suggested that the sport should improve its "business model" to not solely depend on Netlfix's Formula 1-based Drive to Survive docuseries for promotion. He emphasized that for F1 to attract the "new generation," it must "adapt" to other methods for marketing. 

The popular docuseries has introduced the world of Formula 1 to an entirely new audience base. As the sport looks to expand its presence in the USA, Netflix has been a catalyst to educate prospective fans about the premier class of racing. 

Just recently, the online video-on-demand streaming service revealed that Drive to Survive season 5, launched earlier this year, was the highest-viewed show in its respective category. 

Despite garnering criticism from drivers and team bosses for the fictional element it highlights, especially on the inter-driver rivalry front, the next season of the docuseries based on the 'happening' 2023 Formula 1 season is reported to release on 23rd February 2024. 

As the sport maximizes its Grand Prix count to 24 races next year, Ben Sulayem insists that F1 must look at other options to attract the "new generation" and not solely rely on Netflix's Drive to Survive docuseries. He told Motorsport.com:

“I think we cannot rely on our current success. We must always think about the future.

“Formula 1 has existed for 74 years and during this time it has gone through many phases and crises, but it has always survived and today seems stronger than ever. And for it to continue like this, Formula 1 has to adapt.

“We can’t just rely on Netflix to attract people. The new generation wants to learn about motorsport. You can’t do things like before.”

Revealing how Liberty Media handled the situation during the pandemic and went on to ensure the sport grows, Ben Sulayem said he is "indebted" to them. However, he emphasized the need for a change in strategy to "adapt to new challenges." He added:

“What they [Liberty Media] did during the pandemic was fantastic. I will always be indebted to them.

“We know that we are indebted to them, that is very, very clear, but Formula 1 will have to adapt to new challenges.

“The challenges of ten years ago are completely different today. We have to improve our business model and I am sure that this will survive for a long, long time, as long as the FIA ​​is also strong.”

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